Former UNT News Director Roddy Wolper dies after being hit by motorist

Former UNT News Director Roddy Wolper dies after being hit by motorist

Roddy Wolper, who served as the UNT news director from 1999 to 2007, died Wednesday night after being struck by a vehicle in the 900 block of Audra Lane. Wolper, 73, was walking his two dogs at the time of the incident.

Denton police received a call from the driver who hit Wolper and his dogs, and responded to a seriously injured Wolper. He was then taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later, according to a press release from the city of Denton. Both of Wolper’s dogs died in the incident.

“At this time, it appears that the pedestrian was walking two dogs and crossing Audra Lane in front of the Ann Windle School for Young Children when he was struck by the vehicle which was traveling southbound on Audra Lane,” the press release said.

The investigation is on-going at this time, but there is no indication of intoxication or cellphone usage by the driver, according to the press release.

UNT’s University Relations, Communications and Marketing (URCM) division, where Wolper worked for eight years, released a statement Thursday.

“We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Roddy Wolper’s death,” the statement said. “[Wolper] was a valued member of the university community who was committed to his work, did his job incredibly well and always cared deeply for his team. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Wolper studied journalism at West Texas A&M University, and spent his career as a writer, editor, communication specialist and photographer.

Interim Vice President of URCM Kelley Reese worked as the assistant news director under Wolper, and called him a great friend and colleague.

“He had a wonderfully wicked sense of humor, always made work fun, and was one of the most intelligent people I know with an amazing vocabulary and passion for words, writing and reading,” Reese said in an email. “He was committed to the people in his life, made his colleagues and friends his family and he deeply loved all of his animals. I am heartbroken by his death and will always be grateful for and honored by his friendship.”

Wolper’s wife Phyllis previously served as the chairperson of the Denton Democratic Party. Roddy Wolper took photos at Denton Democratic Party events.

A reception has been set by Wolper’s family from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at Bill DeBerry Funeral Home, located at 2025 West University Drive in Denton.

Staff writer Madison Wilie contributed to this article.

Featured Image: Roddy Wolper died Wednesday after being hit by a car while walking his dogs. Courtesy ofFacebook